By Rosalind Russell – This year marks the 70th anniversary of an inclusive organization — Community Living Algoma.
Centralized in Sault Ste. Marie, communication coordinator Cindy Crawford says the organization is inviting supporters from throughout the district to share in their community celebration.
A barbecue will take place today at their headquarters in the Sault (from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm).
Crawford says this year’s anniversary motto of ‘Inclusion & Citizenship’ captures the continued efforts in supporting people across Algoma.
Today, Community Living Algoma provides supports and services to over 900 people in the District of Algoma with satellite sites in Wawa, Hornepayne, Elliot Lake and Blind River.
According to the CLA site, In Northern Ontario, up until the 1950s, institutionalization was the only other option for raising a developmentally disabled child at home. Any child who scored less than 50 on an IQ test could not attend school.
Like many success stories, it was a dedicated group of people, led by a teacher who disagreed with the testing and brought about change. They lobbied the Premier of Ontario to provide funding to open an experimental classroom in Kirkland Lake.
The educational successes experienced in this church basement classroom drew attention from across Canada.
Shortly afterwards, a province-wide association to help was formed.
When the Sault Ste. Marie association was established in 1954, it was extended to people who were both physically and developmentally disabled.
In 1994, Community Living Algoma was created to serve the District of Algoma and major service providers amalgamated to provide ease of access for families headquartered out of Sault Ste. Marie and extending supports throughout the district.
CLA continues to advocate and educate to ensure that people with developmental disability are afforded all rights and choices and that they are welcomed, respected and valued in their community.
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